Best Ski Resorts in Canada Guide

Our BIG bumper list of where to ski and snowboard in western Canada

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Canada is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders. With regular snow dumps, groomed slopes and well-planned mountains with plenty of facilities, it’s no wonder skiing in Canada is so popular. Favourable exchange rates (you can stay and ski for a week for as little as a few hundred dollars a person) makes holidaying at the best ski resorts in Canada a reality. There are so many wonderful places to ski in Canada, you’ll have trouble choosing. So, we’ve put together a guide to skiing in Canada with an overview of the top ski resorts in Canada.

Next time you go on a skiing holiday in Canada, keep an eye out for Nicole Kidman or Hugh Jackman. The world’s A-listers love skiing in Canada as much as we do. Celebrities choose to ski in Canada for the same reason you’d go to Canada in winter: fantastic snow, long seasons, uncrowded slopes and picturesque villages. So if you’re looking for the best places to go skiing like a celebrity (and spot a movie star), Canada is an excellent place.

The best skiing in Canada is in British Columbia (on the coast, Thompson Okanagan and the Kootenay Rockies) and the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. There are two types of skiing and boarding experiences. You can choose to stay on the mountain and ski straight out the door or stay in a mountain town, like Banff, and enjoy the experience of national park skiing. Here’s our big list of where to go skiing in Canada.

Best Ski Resorts In Canada

Top Tours

BC Ski Resorts – Coast

1- Whistler Blackcomb

  • Location: 125km (78 miles) from Vancouver
  • Snowfall: 11.63m (38 feet)
  • Runs: 200 marked ski runs, 3,307ha (8,171 acres)

There’s a good reason you probably already know a bit about Whistler Blackcomb.

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The most famous ski resort in Canada is right up there on the list of best winter resorts in North America.

Whistler Blackcomb has long ski seasons and is a vibrant hub of cafes and culture.

The range of blue, green and black runs along with a variety of winter activities – from winter ziplining to ice climbing and winter bungee jumping – makes Whistler Ski Resort a great choice if you want a British Columbia ski resort with lots to do.  

There are two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers.

Keen skiers can have their pick of runs at the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Whistler ski holidays are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers and its ‘Ski with an Olympian’ program allows anyone to explore the mountain with an Olympic athlete as your guide.  

The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is an experience worth making the trip to Whistler for, even if you’re not a skier.  

Whistler Blackcomb has cemented its place as a top place to go to rub shoulders with celebrities. Regulars include Tom Cruise, Heidi Klum and Hugh Jackman.

Hugh Jackman stars in the film Eddie the Eagle about the first British skier to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping at the Calgary Olympics.

If you’d like to give yourself the movie star treatment, fly in by helicopter or seaplane or take a stretch limo.

When you’re not skiing or snowboarding, the most likely places to bump into a celebrity might be the Fairmont Chateau Whistler or the Four Seasons Resort, where you can ski or snowboard like a star.

Fairmont is right at the base of Blackcomb Mountain while the Four Seasons has a ski concierge that will lay out the red carpet.

It should be no surprise that one of Canada’s most expensive homes is in Whistler.

Listed for C$22 million, the impressive home has stunning mountain views, stone fireplaces, eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms and an adjacent coach house.

Thinking of making a bid? The home is a few minutes from Whistler’s village, which has a buzzy vibe and plenty of cool spots to wine and dine.

The best time to spot a Canadian star is during the Whistler Film Festival, which is an excellent event for film buffs and those who would like the of slopes diversion of checking out the best Canadian cinema culture.

Other A-listers who have been known to grace the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb include Paris Hilton, Usher, Richard Branson, Uma Thurman, Seal, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Gates, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry.

What’s cool in Whistler Ski Resort?

Treat yourself to a luxury adventure exploring Pemberton Ice Fields in a helicopter, on a snowmobile or snow bike.

Then soak those aching legs in a backcountry hot springs, stay in a snow hotel and dine on gourmet cuisine. Whistler has an atmosphere that is uplifting and inspirational like some of these travel quotes

Recommended:

BOOK A WHISTLER HOTEL

2- Mount Washington Alpine Resort

best ski resorts in canada for family for snow ghosts
Ski among snow ghosts at Mount Washington Alpine Resort and you’ll understand why it’s one of the best ski resorts in Canada for nature.

Location: near Courtney, Vancouver Island and a 40-minute drive from Comox Valley International Airport and Campbell River.
Snowfall: 11.5m (38 feet)
Runs: 81 marked ski runs, 688 hectares (1,700 acres), two terrain parks, five lifts and four Magic Carpets.

Until the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Mount Washington was pretty much a local secret.

Several national teams trained for the Olympics here and it has an excellent Nordic Centre, with plenty of groomed trails to explore.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort has scenic west coast views and tons of snow.

This Canada skiing resort has a laidback alpine village with ski-in, ski-out accommodation.  

What’s cool in Mount Washington Ski Resort?
  • Mount Washington is one of the best places to slip on the skinny skis. With its Nordic Centre on the edge of Strathcona Provincial Park, it offers 55km (30 miles) of machine-groomed cross-country trails and 22km (13.5 miles) of snowshoeing trails.

BOOK A HOTEL IN MOUNT WASHINGTON

British Columbia Ski Resorts – Okanagan

3- Sun Peaks Resort

Skiers walking through one of the most charming ski resorts in canada
Sun Peaks is one of the best ski resorts in Canada for a charming European atmosphere. Photo: Destination BC/Ryan Creary.

Location: 45 minutes from Kamloops, British Columbia
Runs: 135 ski runs covering 1728ha (4,270 acres) of skiable area, two bowls and 11 lifts.

Sun Peaks Resort is a large ski resort with five quads and the four hectares (10-acre) Rockstar Energy Terrain Park.

As Sun Peaks gets over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, it’s a great place to go skiing in BC if you love bright sunny days.  

Another reason to choose Sun Peaks is it has a charming European-style alpine village.

There are three mountains (Tod, Sundance and Morissey), with slopes for all ability levels from the top of every chairlift.

For Nordic skiers, there are 34.9km (21.7 miles) of groomed and track-set Nordic trails, 14.3km (nine miles) of backcountry and 16km (10 miles) snowshoe terrain.

What’s cool at Sun Peaks ski resort?
  • The Sun Peaks Sports School has courses for 13 to 18-year-olds to teach teens new skills and build confidence across the board, from powder-filled glades in the Teens’ All Mountain Program to boxes and jumps in the Teens’ Terrain Park Program.
  • Local skier Laurie White has a female-friendly program called Ski Sisters available twice a day six days a week.
  • Full-day private tours offer secrets of the alpine backcountry, where Sun Peaks’ top instructors guide guests to the best nooks, crannies and powder while sharing local lore about the area.

BOOK A SUN PEAKS HOTEL

4- Big White Ski Resort

ski resorts in canada Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort in the Okanagan has gained a reputation as one of the best ski resorts in Canada for family holidays. Photo: Destination BC/Blake Jorgenson

Location: 56km (35 miles) from Kelowna, British Columbia
Average annual snowfall: 7.5m (24.5 feet)
Runs: 118 trails over 3,052ha (7,355 acres) of terrain, 15 lifts and 618ha (1,525 acres) of alpines and glades.

Big White Ski Resort is a large family-friendly ski-in, ski-out resort village that has a big drawcard of champagne powder.

There’s a TELUS Park skier/boarder course and 25km (16 miles) of combined Nordic and wilderness trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Black Forest Day Lodge is a fast food outlet with a day-use lunch room, direct walk-to-lift access and ski lockers for season pass holders.

After dark, Big White comes alive with restaurants and entertainment.

This Canada skiing resort has Canada’s largest resort night skiing area and programs for all the family, from sleigh rides and bonfires to skating and ice climbing.

Big White is a great place to travel with friends and family. 

What’s cool at Big White?
  • Down a cowboy coffee with a kick at the Gunbarrel Grill, where servers prepare a Gunbarrel Coffee by pouring flaming Grand Marnier down the double-barrel of an unloaded shotgun.

BOOK A BIG WHITE HOTEL

5- SilverStar Mountain Resort

ski resorts canada
A charming chalet at SilverStar Ski Resort. Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain.

Location: 22 km (14 miles) from Vernon in British Columbia
Runs: 130 runs across 1328 skiable hectares (3,282 acres), 12 lifts and over 770ha (1,900 acres) of steep, deep, black and double black diamond runs.

SilverStar is a big mountain with a small-town feel. Located in a picturesque part of British Columbia, SilverStar is a favourite among locals, for its champagne powder and friendly ski village.

Of all the Canada ski resorts, SilverStar is possibly the most popular with Aussies and, for international visitors, SilverStar is a one-hour drive from Kelowna’s airport.

It has ski-in, ski-out access, four mountain faces and is the third-largest ski area in the province.  

SilverStar also offers cross-country skiing, with 105km (60 miles) of trails and a four-kilometre (2.5-mile) lit track for night skiing.

There’s lift access to upper trails and two certified biathlon ranges.

Next time you feel at home listening to an Aussie accent at SilverStar Mountain Resort, look closely as there’s a chance you might be rubbing shoulders with Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban or Antonia Kidman.

Nic and Keith ski at SilverStar each winter.

Silver Star has a strong Aussie connection. The resort has been owned by a member of the Schumann family (the Australian clad that once had an interest in Mount Hotham in Victoria) since 2001.

For Aussies, it certainly feels like home, as the resort is packed with enthusiastic young Aussie workers who are there to gain experience and enjoy the mountain lifestyle.

SilverStar’s colourful buildings and historic mining town design is enchanting when the snow falls, which is in bucket loads.

About 700cm of dry powder snow blankets the 1240 hectares of slopes. And the resort doesn’t have the bone-chilling temperatures experienced in ski fields at higher altitudes.

Anthony Hopkins also visited and apparently was a big fan of the Bugaboos Bakery cinnamon buns.

What’s cool at Silver Star?
  • SilverStar has 42ha (105 acres) of new terrain in Putnam Creek and Silver Woods with better grooming, improved trail signage and a larger selection of rental offerings (including pull sleds and more skate skis).

BOOK A SILVERSTAR HOTEL

For more things to do in and around the Okanagan read:

6- Apex Mountain Resort

Apex is one of the top ski resorts in canada for snowboarders
A snowboarder having fun at Apex Mountain Resort. Photo: Destination BC/Ben Giesbrecht.

Location: 15 minutes from Penticton, British Columbia
Average annual snowfall: 600cm (236 inches)
Runs: 450 skiable hectares (1,112 acres), four lifts, 75 trails and a variety of bowls, glades and terrain parks.

Despite the terrific snow, varied terrain and proximity to Penticton, Apex Mountain Resort is still one of British Columbia’s hidden gems.

This Canada skiing resort is famous for its light-as-air champagne powder.

There’s a cosy village setting with ski-in, ski-out access, loads of après ski fun and activities for kids.

Other activities include the Tube Park, snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. There are 56 world-class trails at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre.

The one-kilometre (0.6-mile) ice-skating loop is open in the evenings and there’s an NHL-sized outdoor hockey rink for hockey, curling, bonspiels and skating practices.

What’s cool at Apex Mountain?
  • Apex Mountain is a National Training Centre for aerials and moguls.
  • There are three terrain parks: Claim Jumper Park for those who want to take advantage of rails, boxes and jumps, the fully lit Night Park, and Prospector Park.

BOOK A HOTEL AT APEX

BC Ski Resorts – Kootenay Rockies

7- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

three skiers admiring the view at one of the best family ski resorts in canada if you're on a budget
Skiers at Kicking Horse admiring the view at a pristine ski resort in Canada. Photo: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe.

Location: Powder Highway
Average annual snowfall: 750cm (295 inches) at the summit.
Runs: 1,133ha (2,800 acres) of skiable terrain, with 121 runs, four alpine bowls, 85 chutes and five lifts including the high-speed Golden Eagle Express Gondola. 1,260m (4,133 feet) of vertical

There’s a good reason why Kicking Horse calls itself the “Champagne Powder Capital” of Canada.

It consistently receives enough of the fluffy white stuff to back up its claims and has steep that attract serious skiers.

Kicking Horse’s four heli- and cat-skiing operators provides plenty of choices for backcountry skiing too.  

Kicking Horse is located in British Columbia, between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges.

It’s a popular ski field on the Powder Highway, which is a group of ski towns and resorts in the Kootenay Rockies.

The village has a range of accommodation and seven on-mountain dining options, including the Eagle’s Eye restaurant high on the mountain.

What’s cool at Kicking Horse ski resort?
  • Eagle’s Eye, Canada’s most elevated restaurant, offers a gourmet dining experience and spectacular views from 2,346m (7,700 feet) high.
  • There are also two luxurious suites, which come with a private chef, butler, ski guide and guaranteed fresh tracks in the morning.  

BOOK A HOTEL AT KICKING HORSE

8- Revelstoke Mountain Resort

two skiers gazing at Revelstoke town from one of the best ski resorts in bc canada
Two skiers at Revelstoke looking down to the town of Revelstoke and the Columbia River. Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain.

Location: 199km from Kelowna, British Columbia
Runs: 1,263 ha (3,121 acres) of varying terrain with two alpine bowls, 65 named runs, and an incredible variety of terrain.

Although the town of Revelstoke has more than a century of skiing history (the area has historically been a destination for backcountry and heli-skiing operations), Revelstoke Mountain Resort is fairly new on the scene.

Located between the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain ranges, Revelstoke offer ski-in, ski-out accommodation at Sutton Place Hotel.  

One of Revelstoke’s attractions is it offers lift-, backcountry, cat- and heli-skiing from one village base.

Revelstoke also offers some amazing tree skiing, with 20ha (50 acres) of additional glading this season, and tandem paragliding flights on skis right from the mountain.

What’s cool at Revelstoke Mountain Resort?

Leave the selfie stick and home and relive your holiday on the slopes with the help of Revelstoke’s Paparazzi Pass. By downloading Revelstoke’s Paparazzi app, cameras all over the mountain communicate with your cell phone to record your moves so you can watch them online later.

BOOK A REVELSTOKE HOTEL

9- Kimberley Alpine Resort

Location: 20 minutes from Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook
Average annual snowfall: 400 cm (157 inches)
Runs: 729ha (1,800 acres) of skiable area and 80 runs, 12 of them through open glades.

Breathtaking views, tons of fresh powder and a laid-back ski town make Kimberley Alpine Resort an attractive ski resort far enough off the beaten track to avoid the crowds.

Surrounded by the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Kimberley Alpine Resort also has 33km (20 miles) of cross-country trails, ski-in, ski-out accommodation, family activities including a skating rink.

What’s cool at Kimberley Alpine Resort?
  • Ski or snowboard under the stars on one of North America’s longest illuminated runs.
  • Nordic skiers can head over to the Kimberley Nordic Centre, where a 3.3km (two-mile) loop is lit up at night.  

BOOK A HOTEL AT KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT

10- Fernie Alpine Resort

skiing in canada at Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort is fast becoming one of the popular ski resorts in Canada for locals. Photo: Destination BC/Dave Heath.

Location: 1.5-hour drive from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook. Average annual snowfall: up to 11m (37 feet)
Runs: 1,011ha (2,500 acres) of skiing area, five alpine bowls, 142 marked runs and 10 lifts.

Fernie’s 19th-century mining boomtown past is reflected in the vintage architecture of its historic downtown.

Charming, authentic, out-of-the-way Fernie is a magnet to powderhounds.

A rising star in the Canadian Rockies, Fernie made its big-screen debut as Kodiak Valley ski resort in the movie Hot Tub Time Machine, starring Craig Robinson, John Cusack, Chevy Chase.

Filming locations include Main Street, The Brickhouse on 2nd Ave and The Plaza at Fernie Alpine Resort.

Sci-fi fans might also be interested in knowing that the avalanche scene in Inception was also filmed at Fernie.

Heavy snowfalls, steep terrain and plenty of trees make Fernie a superb mountain for good skiers. And lift queues are pretty rare in Fernie, making it a perfect place for A-listers to ski or snowboard without being mobbed.

Justin Timberlake has been snowboarding, cat skiing and snowmobiling here.

Located between the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, it has skiing, boarding and other winter activities.  

What’s cool at Fernie Alpine Resort?
  • Fernie is a live spot with some quirky events, such as the popular RETRO Ski Party weekends.
  • The town of Fernie is a lively spot with art galleries and shops.

Recommended:

BOOK A HOTEL AT FERNIE

11- Panorama Mountain Resort

how many ski resorts in canada
A couple of snowboarders on a run at Panorama Mountain Resort stopping to admire the view. Photo: Destination BC/Kari Medig.

Location: 308km (191 miles) west of Calgary
Average annual snowfall: 500cm
Runs: 1,152ha (2,847 acres) of terrain with 120 named runs, 1,225m (4,019 feet) of vertical, one spectacular bowl and 10 lifts.

Intimate, accessible, friendly and laid back, Panorama Mountain Resort is a family ski resort with incredible skiing and snowboarding.

It’s also a top spot for adventure-seekers, with heli-ski and snowmobile adventures offered right from the village.

Jib, slide and fly in the Rockstar Terrain Park, glide on 20km (12 miles) of groomed Nordic trails, soak in the slopeside hot pools or try fat tire biking in the snow.

What’s cool at Panorama Mountain Resort?
  • At Panorama, three rustic mountain huts offer an extraordinary dining experience with great views of the province. At the top of the peak, the Summit Hut is famous for smokies, perogies and fondue.
  • It’s accessible by chairlift but why not fly up there by helicopter? Panorama’s Heli-fondue is a signature experience to put on your bucket list.

BOOK A HOTEL AT PANORAMA MOUNTAIN

12- Whitewater Ski Resort

Whitewater Ski Resort is one of the ski resorts in bc canada for families
Whitewater Ski Resort is a top ski resort in Canada for family vacations. Photo: Destination BC/Steve Ogle.

Location: near Nelson, British Columbia
Average annual snowfall: 12m
Runs: 479 skiable hectares (1,184 acres) and 632 vertical metres (2,044 vertical feet), 81 runs and four lifts.

Whitewater Ski Resort has uncrowded slopes with lots of snow.

The mountain also has 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) of groomed Nordic tracks, 13 kilometres (eight miles) of which are snowshoe trails and five kilometres (three miles) of multi-use trails that include snow biking.

Fresh Tracks Café dishes up a popular menu that has inspired four bestselling cookbooks.

What’s cool at Whitewater Ski Resort?
  • The backcountry territory around Whitewater Ski Resort is known as the Cat Ski Capital of the World, with 38,445ha (95,000 acres) of powder terrain.

BOOK A HOTEL AT WHITEWATER

13- Red Mountain Resort

top 10 ski resorts in canada
A lovely run at Red Mountain Resort: Photo: Destination BC/Kari Medig.

Location: near Rossland, British Columbia
Average annual snowfall: 7.6m (300 feet)
Runs: 1,164ha (2,877) acres of pristine skiing including fall-line runs, epic verticals (890 metres/2,919 feet), 360-degree descents off peaks and steep tree runs.

Think of Red Mountain Resort as one of those last remaining unspoilt resorts in BC.

Home of ski racing in Canada (the country’s first downhill race was held here in 1896 and its first World Cup in 1968), the mountain is known for its cat-skiing on the flanks of rugged Mt. Kirkup.

The resort offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, a modern ski-in, ski-out lodging, fine dining, a professional ski school, adventure activity booking centre, daycare and a free shuttle to Rossland.

What’s cool at Red Mountain Resort?
  • One of the best-kept secrets at Red Mountain Resort is the collection of cabins situated around Strawberry Pass; they’re a great place to stop, rest up and have a bite to eat in a funky setting. 
  • The 16 cabins were each built by locals on Crown land and available for day use. You’ll often spot three generations of family skiers or snowboarders warming up around the fire in these special shelters.

BOOK A HOTEL AT RED MOUNTAIN

For more attractions in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island read:

Alberta Ski Resorts – Rocky Mountains

Spot a star on your next skiing holiday at Mount Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort or Sunshine Village Ski Resort.

If you’ve been to this part of the world before you won’t be surprised at the roll call of celebs who hang out here.

Think Michael Douglas, Alex Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Pierce Brosnan.

It’s not hard to imagine you’re in Narnia while you sip a Caesar (and I’m not referring to a salad). A Caesar is as Canadian a cocktail as you will find.

An enchanting time to visit is during the Ice Magic Festival, where talented ice artists from around the world compete in this international carving competition.

There’s a wonderful feeling in the air in winter right through the area, in Lake Louise, Banff and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banff National Park.  

Ever since Marilyn Monroe bedded down at the Banff Springs Hotel, while filming the River of No Return with Robert Mitchum in 1953, the hotel (now the Fairmont Banff Springs) has been the glamour spot in the Canadian Rockies hosting prime ministers, presidents and movie stars.  

One of the main reasons celebrities like skiing in Banff and Lake Louise is they can roam the streets, ski the slopes and dine in restaurants without being mobbed.

Other celebrities who have been spotted here are Glenn Close, Alicia Silverstone, Lyle Lovett, Minnie Driver, Michael Keaton, Cheryl Hines, Susan Sarandon and William Shatner.

Recommended:

14- Mount Norquay

best ski resorts in canada mt norquay
Mount Norquay is one of the Big3 ski resorts in Alberta. Photo: Reuben Krabb.

Location: near Banff, Alberta
Snowfall: 3m (120in)
Runs: 28 runs over 77ha and six lifts.

Mount Norquay is a training ground for Olympic and World Cup athletes.

Gun Run and the North American, which hosted World Cup events in the 1970s, are among the steepest ski runs in Canada but there are plenty of easy runs suitable for families.

Mount Norquay has the only night skiing in Banff-Lake Louise and has expert snowmaking on 85% of the terrain.

What’s cool at Mount Norquay?
  • The oldest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies (the first ski cabin was built in 1927) has a historic rope tow that was installed in 1941 and known as the “Big Chair”.  

15- Lake Louise Ski Resort

ski resorts canada lake louise
Lake Louis Ski Resort’s breathtaking scenery. Photo: Reuben Krabb.

Location: 60km from Banff, Alberta
Average annual snowfall: 4.54m (179in)
Runs: 145 runs, 10 lifts

Spectacular scenery and versatile terrain make Lake Louise a magnet for skiers.

Lake Louise is truly a winter wonderland and you don’t have to be a skier to have a memorable experience. It’s a memorable experience to drink one at the Fairmont Lake Louise while watching the ice skaters glide around the lake.

The instantly recognisable emerald lake (which you’ve probably seen sparkling in travel brochures) takes on a more dreamy quality when it’s frozen.

And for those of us who live in sub-tropical climates, soaking up this ethereal winter landscape, roasting marshmallows in front of a fire or huddling up in a dog sled are experiences to write home about.

Lake Louise is a sprawling ski resort great for families and groups of all abilities with beginner, intermediate and expert runs from every chair

Voted Canada’s top ski resort at the World Ski Awards, Lake Louise has a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes and long cruising runs to glades, chutes and wide-open bowls.

If you’re looking for a ski holiday with fabulous scenery you won’t be disappointed by Lake Louise Ski Resort.

The only downside is you’ll be distracted by the spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests.

The Lodge of the Ten Peaks at the base of Lake Louise has a warm mountain ambience, with high ceilings and crackling fireplaces.

What’s cool at Lake Louise?
  • Spring is a great time to ski at Lake Louise when the temperatures are warmer, prices are affordable and the slopes are relatively empty (at least on weekdays).
  • Lake Louise usually gets fresh snow in Spring and there are plenty of fun events.

16- Sunshine Village

ski resorts in canada sunshine village
Sunshine Village is a ski resort in Canada with big views and is an impressive Banff ski resort for national park skiing in Canada. Photo: Reuben Krabb.

Location: 15 minutes from Banff, Alberta
Average annual snowfall: nine metres (30 feet)
Runs: 107 runs over more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, 12 lifts

Sunshine Village sits on the Continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park and has three sprawling mountains.

The Village’s altitude ensures the snow stays light and dry and the resort has a long ski season, usually seven months (from early November until late May).

Delirium Dive is high on the list of off-piste destinations in the world.

Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Banff National Park.

It has gorgeous views, a restaurant, bar and spa facilities but lacks the nightlife if you choose to stay on mountain.

What’s cool at Sunshine Village?
  • Sunshine Village is home to Canada’s first heated chairlift, the TeePee Town LX high-speed quad has heated seats, footrests and orange bubble covers to protect you from the cold.

17- Marmot Basin Ski Resort

canadian ski resorts jasper
One of the most amazing ski resorts in Canada is Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park. Photo: Jasper Tourism/MikeSeehagel.

Location: 20 minutes from Jasper, Jasper National Park
Average annual snowfall: 4m (160in)
Runs: 86 runs over 678ha (1,675 acres), 7 lifts

A skiing destination in the Canadian Rockies, Marmot Basin offers a Rocky Mountain National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site skiing and snowboarding experience.

The surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful, with the ruggedly mountainous landscape of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Another great reason to choose Marmot Basin is it’s one of the least crowded ski areas and has a long season (November to May) with plenty of cold, dry Alberta powder.

What’s cool at Marmot?

Quebec Ski Resorts – The Laurentians

18- Mont Tremblant

Location: 130 km northwest of Montreal and 140 km from Ottawa.
Runs: 96 ski trails on 4 distinct slopes across 269 hectares.

Quebec may not have the towering mountain ranges that are a hallmark of British Columbia and Alberta, however, skiing in Quebec has its own charms.

There are good reasons why Mont Tremblant is consistently voted as the top ski resort in the eastern part of North America.

The picturesque village is located on the shores of Lake Mercer and is a charming winter getaway.

Quebec is the perfect place to bundle up and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire after a day out on the slopes.

19- Mont Blanc

Location: Laurentian Mountains near Tremblant
Runs: 43 ski trails and 7 lifts

Mont Blanc ski resort is a good choice for children and beginners as the learning area has magic carpet lifts and there’s a fabulous snow park.

The design of the mountain and the ski-in/ski-out accommodation makes it an easy place to visit on a family holiday.

Quebec Ski Resorts – Quebec City

20- Le Massif de Charlevoix

Location: 73km north-east of Quebec City
Runs: 52 trails and164ha of skiable terrain

Le Massif de Charlevoix has the highest vertical to the east of the Canadian Rockies.

A winter vacation at Le Massif offers amazing views (the valley slopes down to the St Lawrence River) and French flair.

The other big benefit is it’s close to Quebec City. Le Train du Massif de Charlevoix runs from Quebec City along the river valley to the bottom of the resort’s gondola.

Another winter activity worth seeing at Le Massif is the ice canoeing, where competitors paddle the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River between L’Isle-aux-Coudres and St-Joseph-de-la-Rive.

21- Mont-Sainte-Anne

Location: 30 minutes from Quebec City
Runs: 71 trails covering 73 km with 221.5ha

Mont Sainte Anne can be easily tackled as a day trip from Quebec City.

The longest trail, Le Chemin du Roy is 5.7km and 19 runs are lit up for night skiing.

Go fat biking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Rappel down frozen waterfalls or go on an ice canyoning adventure.

A tandem paragliding adventure offers an adrenalin rush and a fantastic winter view of the St. Lawrence River.

Recommended:

Ski resorts in Ontario

22- Blue Mountain

Location: Central Ontario in the Barrie Snow Belt, two hours north of Toronto
Runs: 43 trails, 13 lifts, 365 skiable acres

Ontario may not have the soaring mountain ranges that western Canada is famous for. Although Ontario’s ski hills may be limited in height – the tallest (Blue Mountain) is 219m – you don’t have to travel far from Toronto to find some decent skiing.

Toronto’s ski resorts offer a variety of accommodation, groomed slopes and efficient lift systems. You can ski in Ontario from mid-December to March.

Blue Mountain has a charming European style village and a reasonable variety of terrain that interconnects through a network of trails. The mid-sized ski resort is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Recommended: Guided Snowmobile Tours

Skiing in Canada

Skiing in Canada

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Christina Pfeiffer
Christina Pfeiffer is a writer, photographer and video blogger based in Queensland, Australia. She has lived in three continents and her career as a travel journalist has taken her to all seven continents. Since 2003, she has contributed travel stories and photographs to mainstream media in Australia and around the world such as the Sydney Morning Herald, CNN Traveller, The Australian and the South China Morning Post. She has won many travel writing awards and is a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers.